Should I be concerned about discolored semen?

Semen is normally a whitish-gray color. It's usually quite thick after ejaculation, but liquefies within 30 minutes.

Changes in the appearance of semen might be temporary and not a health concern. However, sometimes these changes can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires further evaluation.

If changes persist for longer than a week or two or if the color change is associated with other symptoms such as pain, fever, sexual dysfunction or blood in the urine, see your doctor for an evaluation.

Abnormal semen color or consistency

Possible medical cause

Pink or reddish brown

A recent prostate biopsy or inflammation of or bleeding in the prostate or seminal vesicle — usually benign

Yellow

Urine in the semen, jaundice or abnormally high levels of white blood cells (leukocytospermia)

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